Os significados do trabalho e da reabilitação profissional para otrabalhador incapacitado para o exercício da profissão habitual

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study is the temporary wor disability and its consequences on peoples lives in this situation. The theoretical reference for this analysis considers that, besides changes in the work world, its rule as a means of social interaction and the formation os identity is still essential. Concerning the temporary disability, thereduction of costs as a central issue for the social security policy of benefits concession is considered. Objectives: Comprehesion of the experiences and social representation about the work, the recognition of the partial disability and Professional Rehabilitation of workersenrolled in a Social Security System in Belo Horizonte MG. Methodology: A qualitative research was done and tecniques of semi-structered interviews for collecting information was used. Nine workers who were out of work for more than two years and were part of the Professional Rehabilitation Program were chosen. Results: Among ehe objects of theresearch, five of them received benefits for common diseases and four of them received benefits for accidents. The importance given to work, besides its harmful experiences the researched people suffered, was an evidence. The interviewed people showed nostalgic, affective sensation for the last work and surviving problem is faced for precary work.Although their desire of working, the disabled workers realise their limitations in the work market due to age and schooling factors, in addition to remaining disabilities, as well as stigmatization. Due to the dificulties faced in the work market, the best alternative seems tobe retirement for disability. For the recognition of their limitations at work, it has been observed that workers have to undergo an ardous bureaucratic path, constantly being mistreated. Training activities offered to workers enrolled in the program do not rehabilitatethem and, in some cases, workers think they are not appropriate for their remaining work abilities. Rehabilitation is perceived by workers only a strategy to reduce costs of Social Security benefits, reinforcing his/her dismay towards the future. Conclusion: These findings show how this policy is currently unfair for workers. Social security should dealwith their disabilities as a social issue, wich deserves new and creative approaches.